receptacle

re·cep·ta·cle

noun \ri-ˈsep-ti-kəl\

Definition of RECEPTACLE

1

: one that receives and contains something : container

2

[New Latin receptaculum, from Latin] a : the end of the flower stalk upon which the floral organs are borne b : a structure or tissue (as of a fungus or fern) bearing spores or sporangia

3

: a mounted female electrical fitting that contains the live parts of the circuit

Examples of RECEPTACLE

1. She used the box as a receptacle for her jewelry.
2. <place all wrappers in the trash receptacles at the entrances of the theater>

Origin of RECEPTACLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin receptaculum, from receptare to receive, frequentative of recipere to receive

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to RECEPTACLE

Synonyms: holder, container, vessel

Related Words: carrier; cartridge; basket, bin, box, caddy, carton, case, casket, crate, handbasket, locker, trunk; bag, hamper, pocket, sack; cooler, warmer; basin, bottle, bowl, bucket, can, jar, jug, keg, kettle, kit, pack, pail, pitcher, pot, tub, vat

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Rhymes with RECEPTACLE

conceptacle